Gulfport ceremony celebrates five years after Katrina

GULFPORT, MS (WLOX) - Local and state dignitaries along with a member of the Obama Administration joined to applaud the rebuilding efforts of the Gulf Coast. They also recognized all those who have helped along the way. Hundreds of people gathered in front of Gulfport's City Hall to listen in as dignitaries praised their hard work and also took a look back at this day five years ago.

Sen Roger Wicker said, "My hat is off today to the resilient people of Mississippi. Particularly, South Mississippi for this time to rebuild."

Applause echoed through the streets as South Mississippians, volunteers and others gathered to remember the Katrina. Although Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was not here when the natural disaster struck, she re-assured the crowd that the Obama Administration feels the same pain.

"When President Obama entered office he made a commitment to stand with the people of the Gulf and finish the job of Katrina recovery. Over the past year and a half we have worked to uphold that promise.

Although South Mississippi shines bright once again, that devastating day five years ago plays back in the minds of many. First Lady Marsha Barbour was among many speakers to take the podium and share their personal experience with Katrina.

"A time to weep, a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance," said Sen. Wicker.

Bringing tears of pain back to life.

Marsha Barbour said, "We all know what a horrible week it was and how precious life can slip away so quickly."

As Barbour took a moment to recognize those who lost their life fighting during the storm, the crowd sympathized. But in the end those emotions turned into tears of happiness. Looking at where the coast has come 1,825 days later.

"We have a lot to be proud of, a lot to proud of and there are going to be many lessons learned all over the world because of Katrina," said Governor Haley Barbour.

Among the other speakers at the ceremony was Congressman Gene Taylor. Musician Paul Overstreet performed during the ceremony.

Three adult males and one juvenile were arrested in Limestone County on Thursday after a four-hour manhunt and charged with multiple counts stemming from a string of vehicle thefts.

A ground search ensued that lasted about four hours and covered approximately six miles, ending a few hundred yards east of Hays Mill Road where the suspects were caught in a hunting stand/shoot house.

A ground search ensued that lasted about four hours and covered approximately six miles, ending a few hundred yards east of Hays Mill Road where the suspects were caught in a hunting stand/shoot house.

A nonstop route to Orlando is coming soon to Huntsville International Airport. Silver Airways, an airline based out of Fort Lauderdale, will start the new route on May 23, 2018. The airline made the announcement on Tuesday. Silver plans to fly its new ATR-600 aircraft to complete the 600 mile trip. The ATR-600 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that can seat up to 70 people on some models. Silver Airways says its model will feature leather seating, increased leg room and sp...

A nonstop route to Orlando is coming soon to Huntsville International Airport. Silver Airways, an airline based out of Fort Lauderdale, will start the new route on May 23, 2018. The airline made the announcement on Tuesday. Silver plans to fly its new ATR-600 aircraft to complete the 600 mile trip. The ATR-600 is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that can seat up to 70 people on some models. Silver Airways says its model will feature leather seating, increased leg room and sp...